Thunderbirds Soar at Regional Competition for Vocal Students

March 03, 2014Category: Arts

The SUU’s Department of Music had a strong performance in the Las Vegas Regional Chapter competition of the National Association of Teachers Singing in February. SUU students placed first in three divisions along with four second-place finishes, four third-place finishes and an honorable mention award.

Professor Carol Ann Modesitt, a full-time voice faculty member at SUU, said the students who were able to place at the event will be able to compete again.

“The students who placed in the Las Vegas NATS Study Awards Competition will have the opportunity to compete again in the Cal-Western Regional NATS Competition at the end of March,” Modesitt said. “This event includes students from California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Hawaii. For the first time ever, the students who place in the Regional Competition will have an opportunity to compete with the winners of all the NATS Regions in the United States. They have the opportunity to listen to students from other states and institutions and I feel it will be a great learning experience for all who are involved.”

Along with Professor Modesitt, Dr. Lawrence Johnson is a full-time voice faculty member at SUU. Both professors had students from their studios who won their division in the competition. Adjunct faculty member Sara Guttenberg had a student place as well.

Pianists Mary Anne Andersen, Dr. Christian Bohnenstengel, Tracey Bradshaw and Dr. Willem van Schalkwyk were also at the event. The four musicians shared the stage and shared their insights about music to the students and the other members of the audience in attendance.